Accused in central province murder sentenced to death

Update:
September, 30/2015 - 17:03

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Vi Van Hai at the first trial for his crimes. He confessed to the murders of four individuals in July, which was consistent with an earlier version of his testimony given to the police. — Photo VNA Ta Chuyen.

NGHE AN (VNS) — Vi Van Hai, who stands accused of killing a family of four in July in this central province, received the death sentence at his first trial here today. Hundreds of people gathered outside the courtroom in Tuong Duong District to witness the trial, seeking justice for the cold-blooded killing that had shocked the country.

The procurator accused Hai of killing the four victims after a quarrel broke out between him and Lo Van Tho, one of the victims. After stabbing Tho multiple times with a knife and killing him, Hai chased the victim's wife, Le Thi Yen, who tried to escape with her eight-month-old child upon witnessing the murder of her husband.

While running after Yen, Hai spotted Vieng Thi Chuong, Tho's mother, in a nearby stream. He killed all of them, including the toddler.

After committing the murders, on his way back home, a 15-min walk from the crime scene, Hai ditched the knife in the surrounding forest.

He later confessed to the murders, placing the time of death at around 12.30pm on July 2, consistent with an earlier version of his statement to the police.

He said he had lost his temper after Tho accused him of having an affair with his wife and tried to punch him. When pressed for details of the conversation with Tho, Hai said he couldn't remember it.

Hai claimed he was solely responsible for the murders and positively identified the knife he used for the crime. He also said he regretted his actions. — VNS